Radiation-induced intermediates in irradiated glassy ionic liquids at low temperature

• An EPR signal of trapped electron was detected in several ionic liquids at 77 K.
• Absorption band in the visible range was attributed to a “hole” species.
• Aromatic scavengers react with “hole” species in ionic liquids at low temperature.

The primary radiation-induced processes in irradiated low-temperature pyrrolidinium- and piperidinium-type ionic liquids were investigated by EPR and optical absorption spectroscopy. A narrow singlet signal in the EPR spectra of irradiated ionic liquids was attributed to the physically stabilized electron. Broad absorption band in visible region was ascribed to “hole” species. Aromatic scavengers react with “hole” species in glassy irradiated ionic liquids at 77 K.